In the course of my business week, I speak to literally hundreds of active duty, veterans and military spouses. One thing that really strikes me is this: within our community there is a belief that going to college, any college and getting that “sheepskin” is a guarantee to getting a good job. Today, I want to dispel that belief and put it to rest. It is not true.
The Enlisted community is told that the only thing that an officer has that they don’t have is a degree, so consequently, many of the enlisted members and their spouses are going to colleges and universities of the “dot.com” variety with gusto, believing that their degree will get them a good job and then they can “get out” and live happily ever after.
But, here’s the thing that the civilian community knows that isn’t being told to the military community. The college experience is not just about learning new ideas and getting a degree. It’s also about meeting new people and creating networks that will serve you as you grow personally and professionally.
So many active duty, veterans and military spouses are missing this key component in their higher education and are ending up standing in food lines or working below their education level that it’s easy to see why they become so disheartened during the transition process. It takes more than a degree to get a good job. It’s more about how you treat other people and who you know.
I’ll be frank; many of my shipmates never knew that I attended Fisk and Vanderbilt Universities before I joined the military. They never knew how well educated I was. And, many of my fellow classmates knowing how well educated I was, never knew that I joined the military until recently. However, while on active duty, I was the “go-to” gal. I could get just about anything done in just about any port we went to because I “knew someone.” This fact is reflected on every one of my evaluations. Every single one.
“Your network is your net worth to your employer.” (Thanks, Mindy) Generals and Admirals get high positions in Defense Contracting companies, not because of what they know. They haven’t been to college in years. It’s because of who they know! Remember that.
May I suggest you take a good long hard look and see if you are maximizing your G.I. Bill, Post 9/11 G.I Bill, Voc Rehab and VRAP dollars? If you aren’t building a good network and getting a great education, then, you are not getting value for your money. And, you earned that benefit with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Don’t waste it.
Now, if you’ve got PTSD and can’t stand crowds, I get it. However, if you are able minded and able bodied, please consider going to the best college or university that you can afford. Team Phoenix can show you how to get accepted into some of the best schools in the United States and abroad. And, you earned that benefit, too, with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Don’t waste it.
Please feel free to post comments or ask me questions in the comments area below or on my Facebook page!
Deanna Wharwood’s passion is to help veterans, service-disabled veterans and their dependents create the systems they need to start and grow businesses from their first dollar to six-figures. Unlike other coaches, consultants, mentors and trainers, she is a veteran who successfully transitioned from military life to entrepreneurship. Learn more about Deanna – The Veterans’ Coach and how she can help you!
